Samuel McLaren Receives Skookum Award at Western New England University

2014 Nov 7

Samuel McLaren of Bridgeport, CT, was recently named a recipient of the Skookum Award, an honor presented by Western New England University's Alumni Association. The Skookum is awarded to students who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in all their endeavors: academics, co-curricular activities, sports, and community service. "Skookum" is the Native American Chinook Indian word meaning "excellence." McLaren was one of 15 outstanding senior students to receive the award.

Majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Mathematic and has been on the executive board of CAB, a Peer Tutor, a Lab Monitor, a member of Omnicron Delta Honor Socety, and led an Alternative Spring Break Trip. McLaren is also an executive board member of the Solar Decathlon Club. McLaren has also conducted major reseach beyond the classroom, working with FloDesign Sonics, he designs parts and performs tests to create a better acoustics filtration system for separating solids from liquids. Upon graduation, McLaren is unsure of where the future will take him but he is enjoying his journey and the success he has had from his opportunities.

Western New England University is a private, independent, coeducational institution founded in 1919. Located on an attractive 215-acre suburban campus in Springfield, Massachusetts, Western New England serves 3,800 students, including 2,500 full-time undergraduate students. Undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs are offered through Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, Pharmacy, and the School of Law.